Chris Waters

GLENN MAXWELL is hoping that the atmosphere generated by a 16,000 sell-out crowd at Headingley can help him to ignite his Yorkshire career.

Maxwell goes into tonight’s NatWest T20 Blast match against Lancashire (6.30pm start) striving to make his first important contribution.

The Australian has managed scores of 20, 0, 2 and 8 in his four innings for the county to date, lasting a combined total of 42 balls.

But a man who lit up the 50-over World Cup earlier this year with some incredible hitting is optimistic that his first taste of Roses cricket can light the blue touchpaper – and help Yorkshire gain bragging rights over their Roses rivals.

“I relish playing in front of big crowds that generate a good atmosphere,” said Maxwell, who proved it with his magnificent performances during the World Cup.

“I want to try and do well, and I go into every game hoping to play my best.

“I’ve been told that the atmosphere and crowd really play their part in these matches (Yorkshire versus Lancashire), and the Roses game is very special and has an incredible history.

“It is renowned throughout the world, and Headingley is going to be rocking with a full house.”

Maxwell is part of a full-strength Yorkshire contingent that includes returning England players Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Adam Lyth, all of whom featured in the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley.

Yorkshire are hunting their third victory in four games in the tournament after wins over Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which preceded last week’s defeat to Durham.

“I’ve been very impressed with the boys’ attitude in the first two games I’ve played in the Blast,” said Maxwell, who made his debut in the second of those fixtures against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

“We had a great win against Notts two weeks ago and were unlucky to lose against Durham last week.

“This game is about positive momentum, and I think we are building something special here.

“There is a good vibe about the place, and the players really want to achieve something.”

Yorkshire have left out Andrew Hodd and Will Rhodes from the squad that saw duty in Durham.

Lancashire are boosted by the return of Jos Buttler, but England have not made pace bowler James Anderson available to them at the ground where he captured his 400th Test wicket last Friday.

The visitors also include Maxwell’s fellow Australian James Faulkner as they strive to improve a record of one win and two defeats in the T20 Blast, which has left them second-bottom of the North Group.